Oral Answers to Questions

Philippa Whitford Excerpts

Thursday 3rd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire and Arran) (SNP)]

2. What parliamentary mechanisms are available to hon. Members to scrutinise Barnett consequentials within the estimates process. [R]

[Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)]

7. What parliamentary mechanisms are available to hon. Members to scrutinise Barnett consequentials within the estimates process.

[Steven Paterson (Stirling) (SNP)]

8. What parliamentary mechanisms are available to hon. Members to scrutinise Barnett consequentials within the estimates process.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Coffey]

I think the hon. Lady is on the Procedure Committee. Is that right? [Interruption.] I think she is. She will be aware of the inquiry that is happening right now. I believe that the Committee is accepting written submissions till 25 March. I really want to emphasise this point: when I served on a Select Committee, we certainly dedicated time to scrutinising budgets. I encourage all Select Committees to do likewise.

[Dr Whitford]

Yesterday, this House approved a budget spend of more than £600 billion without any real debate or breakdown of the Barnett consequentials. As fewer than half the Secretaries of State have taken oral questions since the estimates were published, how are Scottish MPs—or indeed any MPs—meant to hold the Government to account?

[Dr Coffey]

I believe that there are avenues to do that. I welcome this inquiry by the Procedure Committee, especially as it might open up some new ideas, and I hope that all political parties will contribute to it. I really encourage this idea that Select Committees are one avenue. Of course Ministers are always held to account at this Dispatch Box, and by written questions as well.